So it does appear to be possible to get an FHA 203k loan for a 5-unit & convert to a 4-unit.When possible, aim for the Limited (aka Streamline) 203k loan, as it's less complex, not required to get an FHA consultant, etc.Of course, this is based of the two following important assumptions:1)  zoning allows for this2)  and obviously I owner occupy for at least 12 months3)  the total purchase price + renovations are within the FHA loan limits specific to my areaWhat I'm confused about is the timeline or chronological order of the process? 

And if anything I'd see those things getting worse, not better. 

RentRedi is great because they provide our members with 1 to 1 support and onboarding to help get started. 

One day I get an urgent text message from our tenant that one of the trees is on its side leaning and wanting to fall into the neighbors home!

At least you'll probably get most of your money back when the deal gets refinanced or sold.

Get in front of tired landlords, who may offer you a hand up.  

Pay for the repairs needed and then get it rented again.

You can get something that's turnkey or new construction at this price point, and most importantly, there's a strong tenant base ready to rent out these homes.

Any brokerage can be the right fit for you so long as you commit to taking initiative and putting in the work.By 'work', I mean income-producing activities (lead generation and follow-up) i.e. cold calling, door-knocking, contacting your sphere of influence, networking, hosting open houses, running online advertising, marketing (paper or online), or anything else that will get you in front of prospective clients.My first broker rarely answered my phone calls and by the time she responded, I'd often already have the answer I was looking for.

Nice job getting a good return either way!